Autumn is here and that means sudden changes in weather and water conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts including fishermen need to pay attention to these changes. Storms can happen quickly so fishermen or fisherwomen need to keep in touch with the weather service. The fire season is still on us so it means we all need to be alert to be alerts and conditions. Enjoy yourself but remember alcohol alters your judgment. So use it sparingly while enjoying the outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather as conditions such as temperature, wind, fire and precipitation can come in with fierce strength. This report is compiled on Monday and Tuesday and reflects conditions and results of fishing from the past week. If you wish other information feel free to contact most parties for current daily information. Good luck fishing from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.
(compiled by Carol Henckel)
Rock Creek Marina- Monty LeTexier , Wyatt 1-406-485-2560
Monty says, “We have pulled the docks. We had no fishermen until today.
We have closed the Marina as of October 1st. We still have limited services. Linda and Neal will still be at Rock Creek. We still have cabins for rent. Call the Marina number and Linda or Neal will help you. If you call and come up we can provide food. Speak to Linda about that. The fuel docks are pulled but we do have fuel by the Marina should you need it.
The season is winding down and I want to say that I feel so blessed that the patrons that left have come back. Everyone has been so good. The customers that were regulars at the campground really helped. I want to especially thank Tanya Leppelid and Michelle Gibbs. They helped Linda so I could go to my son, Trase play on the Grizzly football team. I really appreciated that. I also want to thank Neal and Linda Willnitz for making this year possible. They helped so much, “Monty says.
Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg
Spencer says,” It rained all weekend so not many people came to fish. There are 3 boats out today but I have not heard how they are doing. The water elevation is holding. There are no reservations needed for camp sites it is now first come first take. The electricity and water are shut off. The cleaning station has been closed. There are sites still open at Campers Point #1 to 11 and have electric hookups on year round. “ .
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade, Stephanie, Greg /Warden Jordan Staley
Wade says, “I was up on Saturday for a little time this past weekend and there was two boats out fishing. The docks are still in so you could hit the autumn fishing which can be good. I can imagine you could catch some nice fish.
We have now closed the Marina until there is a need during ice fishing season. Our hours have changed. We are now closed
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne 1-406- 557-2345
Clint says,” The fishing for northern pike was pretty One group of guys got seven pulling and pitching cranks. They were pretty shallow. They were finding them fishing right in Hell Creek bay. They caught some bass out on the main lake on the points. They got a few in the shallows as well. Walleyes are really a hit and miss bite. They have been using bottom bouncers and cranks at depths of 14 to 18 feet depths. It is a tough bite. “
The Marina is open 7 days a week, 7 am to 6 pm.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt 1-406-526-3597
Taylor says, “ It has been real quiet fishing. The weather has been rainy and windy. They are snagging only a few salmon. They are a little bigger in poundage. Walleye fishing is really slow. Northern pike is also a slow bite. The lake trout are not in the shallows right now. The lake rolled over so it is going to take a couple weeks to stabilize again. ”
We do have minnows, suckers, fatheads, Smelt, night crawlers, hooks, floaters, full suckers, wax and meal worms and white and pink maggots here for the guys to use. Our hours are 7am-6 pm Monday through Sunday. ”
Cooney Reservoir – Marina Matheson. Shauni, Cynthia
Marina reports, “There have been people fishing but they are coming early and staying late so I have not heard how they are doing. The fish cleaning station is still open but I hear not much activity there. The algae is gone. We had a dusting of snow this morning. The duck hunters are having success. The campground is now first come first serve now as the reservation system is done taking them for the season. The boat ramps are out. The Marshall Cove campground is now open. The drinking water has been shut down for the winter. Our electric is on year around. The North shore campground is now closed. “
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Ken Frazer says,” The fishermen have been less because of the cold weather, wind and rain. There are a lot of little fish jumping. We stocked a while back. A guy with a fly rod could have a fun time if the weather was good. The lake level is still full.”
Remember some counties still have fire restrictions which will affect all fishing access sites. If you have a question call FWP for information, Please be careful.
The Indian Fort Access at Reed point is closed the rest of the summer. The department is working on a plan to put stability in the area and then hopefully they can get stated on that next summer some time. It is restricted to walk in only. There has been some damage to the road which has narrowed the road and is dangerous. That has be repaired,” Bob explains
Deadmans Tony Stefani/ Pat
Only a few people fishing out of boats. No report from anyone they caught anything. The wind was really blowing. The water has not gone down. The water was turned off 2 weeks ago but it has not dropped.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Terry says “ We have only had antelope hunters coming through. I have seen no fishermen this week.”
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Rick says, “I heard of guys snagging salmon at Neuland It was miserable for fishing this week. This week we heard from a group of people who. Some guys caught some browns trout at Martinsdale. They caught a few. One guy caught a nice 5 pounder. I did not hear anything about Sutherland.”
Sports Center 120 2nd Ave South Lewistown, MT 535-9308 Colby / John Tognetti
We have lots more products now for fishing and hunting needs. Our hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 4pm on Sunday.”
John reports, “Not much word on fishing this week. More hunters than fishermen were there.
On the Missouri fishing people are catching some cats and sauger.
On Achley guys are getting fish trolling using a Dick nite spoon mostly in red and white.
I hear some guys are taking their rod along while they hunt. They are catching a few bass and walleye.”
Crooked Creek Marina Winnett, Montana James (Slim) and Abbie Craig, Carri Craig 406-429-2999
Carri explains,” We went out as a family on Saturday. We fished at 8 to 20 feet depths because that had worked for the past week. We caught one goldeneye. That was it. While we were out some friends went out and they came in with lots of fish, walleye. They went deeper to 30 to 35 feet so the fish have gone deeper overnight. The weather for the last three days was beautiful. Not a ripple on the water. We are open 7 to 7daily right now. Some people have said they have trouble getting us. This is our time to get things done outside before winter hits so we may not be sitting next to the phone. Please leave a message as we will call you back. We will make sure you hear from us. ”
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
Sharon reports,” It is very windy and cloudy today. Word has it Helena is getting snow right now. I am seeing cars with snow on them. (Wednesday) People are fishing but not many. They are catching perch if they brave the weather. It has been fair walleye fishing. Not many fish were caught. The wind is blowing the algae around but it is less algae. “
The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
The Flamingo has closed for the season.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim reports,” Nelson is good fishing right now for walleye. It has been rainy this week. Go to depths of 25 feet or deeper to catch them. They are using jigging wraps and minnows with bottom bouncers.
On Forchette this week I hear they are catching northern pike and smallmouth bass. Fish towards the shore line. ”
Stop by the store. We do have minnows here if you need them.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels Jayce, Tanner, Matt
Jayce reports, “People are catching walleye and bass on the Yellowstone around Forsyte and Hysham. They are using jigs. They were catching more bass this week.
On Yellowtail things are starting to heat up. They said they were catching smallmouth and a few guys got crappies. Guys were catching sauger and bass on the South end but I have not heard if that has changed at all.
Big Horn on the Big Horn people are getting walleye and trout with minnows.
Come in and check out the ice fishing products we put on the shelves. The weather is changing and it is time to get ready for ice fishing. ”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says,” I have quite a few fly fishermen customers coming in. They were catching a quite a few of trout on the Madison as the brown trout are running. The say they are using midges and grasshoppers. I did not hear anything from Canyon Ferry. It was pretty cold this week which makes it hard to sit in a boat and fish.”
Just a reminder that the word at Toston Dam is they have pushed the distance to 300 feet away below the dam to fish. That is as close as you can get. They do have a game warden enforcing the rule.
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977 ,Bill, Ken, Jasmine
Chris says, “The Yellowstone was fishing okay until the weather hit. Use streamers and dry flies. Use a Purple Haze or size12 hoppers. When the weather stays cool use a nymph with legs. Try a Prince or a Hairs ear. We are seeing hatch at about 1 to 2 pm. out there.
Flies and hoppers in peach and tan are working now. The water clarity is 4 to 6 feet deep. The Indian Fort is still closed.
The Stillwater is very low. You can only wade and walk. There are some very small bugs but it is not caddis or mayfly. Use the emergers especially when it is a colder day. ”
We are open Monday to Sunday from 9 to 5 pm.”
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Beau says,” The Big Horn has more clarity. The way to go is to use a dry fly. Try a pseudo hatch and go after the cream mayflies out there. If you see a hatch try a dry. If that happens, which it will, one of these days fishing will be real good. Nymphing is not working. “
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Stephanie says,” Use a dry out there right now. It really is a mixed bag with reports. Some fishermen come in and are not happy because they caught so few fish. Others come in and say they caught a few fish but really enjoyed the scenic water. The grass and moss is breaking up now. The water is murky but clearing. Try a thin mint or something white. Streamers have worked some days. One of the fishermen found a belly full of shiners. That is what they are eating which is why the white streamers are working because it reflects in the water. There are some tricots at times. The cfs is still 3,200. ”
Our summer hours are 8 am to 5 every day.
Riverside Anglers in West Yellowstone : Alice Owsley, fishing guide and outfitter 406-640-1698.
Madison River and Yellowstone National Park waters
Madison
Use a blue winged olive mayfly and midges are effective nymphs this time of year. On warmer, cloudy days we are seeing great hatches in the middle of the day. Try streamers as they can be effective during this season on the Madison.
Yellowstone Park
You find active caddis and blue winged olive mayflies on the Firehole and several adjacent rivers, especially on the cloudy days.
Fish on the Madison in the park are taking smaller soft hackles and streamers. Don’t forget your bear spray and vibrio boots. Be kind to your fellow anglers.
